COLONIE -- The Town Board approved a yearlong ban Thursday on building new motels on Central Avenue and cut two positions in a departmental reorganization.

The board voted 7-0 to stop permitting motels to be built for at least a year. "This is going to allow us to further our study of the Route 5 corridor," Supervisor Paula Mahan said.

Carlos Barrera, owner of the Best Value Inn, has objected to the moratorium, saying he invested some $300,000 to buy and clear neighboring property for a new motel. Other residents have hailed the idea, saying the area is oversaturated with motels.

The board also voted to trim two positions, offering their occupants jobs that paid some $20,000 less. The youth bureau director, Mary Burke, lost her job and will be offered the post of youth services special programs coordinator.

The board also eliminated the job of Crossings Park manager Kevin Morgan.

"I was with the Crossings when it opened in 2003," he said before the vote. "I understand the position is being eliminated due to financial constraints. I haven't really been included in the discussions, to research ways we could save money. I'd like to be part of that process."

The board voted 6-1 to eliminate the jobs, with sole Republican Dan Dustin voting no. Morgan will be offered a job as a recreation maintenance worker, Mahan said.

The supervisor said the town is combining youth services and recreation into a single department.

The board also heard from people concerned about stray cats at Mohawk River Estates, a trailer park. Some activists contend there are 100 or more cats on the property, Owner Pat Cavanagh and Property Manager George LaBarge said the number is less than half that.

"We probably have 35 to 40 cats who roam the park on a daily basis," LaBarge said. He said he collects them and pays $25 to a shelter to take them.

Attorney Valerie Lang asked the town to take legal action and suggested requiring residents to get licenses for cats.

"The town has no jurisdiction over it because it's private property," Town Attorney Michael Magguilli replied.